Most of the running back chatter heading into 2012 was about the return of Dom Whaley from a broken leg. Instead, it was Williams, a transfer from Arizona Western Community College, who became the Sooners' leading rusher, amassing 946 yards and 11 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

Sterling Shepard

The Heritage Hall product and son of former OU standout Derrick Shepard made four starts and ranked fourth on the team with 621 receiving yards. That total is the third-most by a freshman in school history.

Oklahoma State

Calvin Barnett, DT

Barnett, a transfer from Navarro Junior College after starring at Tulsa Washington, plugged the interior line and often got into the opponents' backfield. He finished 2012 with 30 tackles (8.5 for loss), one sack, four quarterback hurries and one pass breakup and was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.